Hugh Laurie: Let Them Talk, CD review

Hugh Laurie's foray into blues music ultimately fails. Rating: * *

Hugh Laurie has been forced to defend making an album that celebrates the music he loves. To his credit, the song selection is great, the musicianship excellent and stalwarts like Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas and Dr John add lustre. But the foray ultimately fails because Laurie’s voice is no more than adequate. On bouncy numbers he gets by but on Swanee River he sinks.